Junior Brother, 'Take Guilt'

The idiosyncratic folk bard Junior Brother - Ronan Kealy - is back with a sprawling new single and harbinger from his forthcoming third album. ‘Take Guilt’ keeps up Junior’s incomparable, alchemy-inducing sound and uncompromising lyricism.

Drones and percussion sweep around the song’s outskirts like electrons, with Kealy’s voice and guitar at the centre of it all, tapping the bones of the track, then cutting wider, in the company of an atom-smashing ensemble.

Talking about the lyrics, and the substance of collective or second-hand guilt, the Kerry singer-songwriter says: “Things in the world are hard to ignore. Some things are almost impossible to forget. Privilege is reaching the end of the article and closing the paper - guts wrenched, heartbroken and everything forgotten by dinner time.

“Small disgraces face minorities closer to home every day. I’m white and male and I have done nothing, but the crimes and horrors done in my face’s name requires me to take guilt. I’ll bring this guilt with me to escape hate, as the news of morning clears into the long dead day.”

Sack, Do You Need Love?

‘90s veterans Sack return with the infectious, guitar-driven ‘Do You Need Love’. Opening with some deliciously catchy six-string riffage, the tune is more than capable as a fitting taster to their first album in over 20 years.

Earlier this month, the rockers called on fans to help support their crowdfunding campaign for their upcoming LP Wake Up People! – their full-length of new material since 2001's Adventura Majestica.

"Musically it retains our gift for melody while broadening the sonic palette and Martin McCann has never sung better," the band said of the project. "Lyrically the album deals with hot topics such as homelessness, bullying and the spread of misinformation and its consequences but the one overarching theme would be the need for us as a society to question everything before making informed decisions."

 

Dylan E. Crampton

Greystones man Dylan E. Crampton’s latest single is as ornate and authentic as they come. Acoustic, sweet-sounding and a little bit Beatles-y in the best way possible, he wrote the track his friend Dar El’s short film Tinman agus an Banphrionsa. The song features his brother Elliot on Drums and bass and Sorcha Fenlon on vocals, the latter of whom also stars in the feature.

An established creative in his native Wicklow and beyond, Crampton has performed on The Late Late Show, supported Christy Dignam and sold out his local theatre three times in recent years alongside his brother Elliot and their band Mute The TV.

 

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The Kates,  'Unbalancing'

West Cork all woman indie-rock supergroup The Kates arrive with their debut EP Pictures Here of Dreams, a project which features a track written by each member of the outfit. A guitar-driven number which blends the glorious distorted noise of the ‘90s with the sonorous harmonies of throwback outfits like The Shangri-Las and The Supremes, ‘Unbalancing’ was written by Liz Clark.

“‘Unbalancing’ is about my busy brain that can’t quite ever achieve this elusive “balance” we’re supposed to all strive for,” she explains.  “But also wondering if balance isn’t as exciting as my chaotic life anyway!”

 

 

PostLast ‘Mizen’

Dream pop duo PostLast announce their debut EP, Pull Me Into The Open Sea, with a wistful, bass-driven account of   band member Julie Hough’s earliest memories on ‘Mizen’. The song takes inspired by a family holiday around Cork and Kerry, with the accompanying music video filled with the same seascapes which mesmerised the singer all those years ago.

“I remember being in the back seat of the car listening to Christy Moore, learning about St. Brendan and his albatross, and thinking that places like ‘Crookhaven’ and ‘Barleycove’ had some magical history that I would uncover,” Hough recalls. “I was especially awestruck by the coastline at Mizen Head and fascinated by Fastnet Lighthouse. I think it was the first time I was ever overcome by a feeling of vastness, both in terms of time and the depth and danger of the sea.”

Rachel Goode, ‘Diamond Ring’

Award-winning Ballinasloe, Co. Galway folkster Rachel Goode’s latest track is an infectious, groovy piece of trad-tinged storytelling. The track combines  a poem from the Wilfred Ireland Childe Collection with music written by Donald Shaw. Recorded completely live, there’s also the small matter of the legendary Máirtín O’Connor helping out on button accordion, flaunting his renowned skill, diversity and virtuosity throughout the toe-tapping track.

 

Conor Furlong, ‘We Were Best Friends’

The second single from this talented indie-songwriter’s new album, A Richard Linklater Film, ‘We Were Best Friends’  tells the emotive tale of childhood friendships over a wistful, guitar-laden soundscape.

“This is the most personal song I have ever written,” Furlong says. “When I was about ten years old, I had the most wonderful best friend. We would do everything together - In a way only childhood friends can, we loved each other.

“But as we grew up, we grew apart. We went to diferent secondary schools so I didn’t see him every day, we developed di erent friends, and, eventually our friendship fizzled out. Six months ago, I learned that a few years prior he had died in a car accident across the other side of the world. I was ashamed and filled with profound regret that I hadn’t made a greater effort to keep in touch.”

Evelyn and Dec, ‘Underneath the Apple Tree’

Not content with releasing their debut album Make For Joy earlier this year, veteran musicians Evelyn and Dec are already back in the in the studio working on album 2.

‘Underneath the Apple Tree’ is the first track from the duo’s sophomore LP, pencilled in for 2025. It’s a well-layered, reflective and acoustic number, which Declan describes tas “A song of love and hope and new starts...and apple trees.”

Declan might be familiar to readers from his work with the likes of Christy Moore, Mary Black, Horslips and Moving Hearts. Evelyn was born on the tropical island of Curaçao, and has had a similarly accomplished music career, from singing in Les Misérables to touring with an acid Jazz Band and everything in between.

 

Bedrooms, ‘emily’

Following the release of well-received singles ‘crusher/birds of prey’ and ‘sunday’, Dublin alternative band Bedrooms have finally dropped their debut album Perfectly Still. The project sees the band expand on the sound that they’ve cultivated since their early releases, blending elements of alternative rock, folk, shoegaze, and slowcore.

‘Emily’ artfully evokes ‘90s and ‘00s alternative royalty in the form of Neutral Milk Hotel and Nada Surf. Starting off with gentle acoustic guitars, the track gradually builds into something really special. Simultaneously nostalgic and fresh.

 

Or:La x Eliza Rose,

‘Slay The Best’There’s an unapologetic, in your face assertiveness on this industrial-sounding slice of alt-dance music. It hits you immediately, with the pounding bass drum, jolting synths and self-assured lyrics combining to create a track destined for a trance-induced boiler rooms.

Born Orla Dooley, the number appears on Or:la’s debut album Trusting Theta. The record feels somewhat overdue, when you consider the fact that the Derry-born producer’s award-winning, eclectic approach has already attracted a sizable fan base, and seen her perform at some of the most revered club residencies across the globe.

 

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BIG LOVE, ‘Never Enough’

Dublin six-piece BIG LOVE return with their anticipated new single ‘Never Enough’, a heart-wrenching track of ruminative guitars, fervent drumming and bracing harmonies. Recorded in London with the help of producer Matt Glasbey, the song is gentle, melancholic and yet incredibly hopeful, slowing down halfway through before breaking out in an explosion of a bridge, perfectly accompanied by Cian Ó’Maonlaí’s hoarse and emotional vocal performance.

“The song is about being saved,” Ó’Maonlaí comments. “When a light comes into life to take you from the dark—something so beautiful, so true—that you feel unworthy. Love is medicine, and in writing this song, I wanted to express how fortunate I feel to be in receipt of the light that shone in for me.”

F3miii, ‘SAY MY NAME’

Dublin-based producer and vocalist F3miii returns with his vibrant new track ‘SAY MY NAME’, a short, hard-hitting tune of pulsating instrumentals and masterfully autotuned vocal lines. Slow paced and atmospheric, the track is still incredibly dance inducing, upbeat and energising, showcasing F3miii’s ability to blend genres and moods to create a perfectly unique sound.

Annie-Dog, ‘Have I Been Living?’

The first single from Annie-Dog’s second EP 15, ‘Have I Been Living’ is an ambitious, electronic pop banger, both poignant and deeply uplifting. With her masterful use of synthy melodies and her transformative musical landscape, the indie riser offers us another taste of her distinctive, sugary-sweet pop sensibilities.

“I wrote this song some time ago now,” Annie-Dog comments. “At the time, I remember having a lot of questions come up for me surrounding what I wanted to do with my life, the people in my life…

“In this song, I was trying to get my head around whatever memories were getting me down. Because there’s no point to living in the past. There’s so much good around me, and I’d rather just focus on that.”

Left On Read, ‘Don’t Let Go’

Emerging Irish Indie-Alt band Left On Read have unleashed their striking new single ‘Don’t Let Go’, a powerful song about being there for a friend when they need support. The track’s minimalistic, bass-focused instrumental is the perfect backdrop for Steven Tyran’s fierce, deep vocal performance – before reaching its climax on its high-octane bridge and its masterful use of back-up vocals.

“I think we’re really coming into our own with our sound lately” says the band, “We’re getting to that point now where we have to stop looking at ourselves as a ‘new band’ and trust that we know what we’re doing".

Orla Monelle & Lex Bucha, ‘Powerless’

Dublin-based Pop/R&B artist Orla Monelle has releases her poignant new single ‘Poweless’ together with Lex Bucha. A powerful piano ballad, carried by the duo’s heart-wrenching harmonies, minimal yet haunting instrumentals and careful production, ‘Powerless’ delves into the complexities of grief and the human struggle to embrace emotions following the loss of a loved one.

The duo met in the Netherlands at a pop writing camp in April 2024, clicking instantly. The single was written in the first session the two had together and cemented their musical connection instantly.

Moon Landing, 'Shadows Collide'

Multi-instrumentalist Jake McCrea, aka Moon Landing, releases his new ethereal single ‘Shadows Collide’. The first of two upcoming tracks from the musician, the tune was recorded in Belfast’s Start Together Studios with funding from Arts Council NI. With its hypnotising chord progression and dreamy vocal lines, ‘Shadows Collide’ is the perfect blend between melancholy and euphoria, Moon Landing’s signature sound.

Speaking of the track, McCrea says: “Getting in to record in Start Together was a real highlight of my career so far! I really thrive in the studio and

Start Together really gave me the platform to be as creative and experimental as I want!
The guitar sounds on the track were recorded using Gary Lightbody’s guitar from ‘Chasing Cars’ which is crazy to think about! It’s a beautiful instrument and I’ve always been a Snow Patrol fan so it was a real honour to play it! I hope I did it justice!”

Blue Fish Diamond, ‘One More Chance’

Rising indie-folk outfit Blue Fish Diamond release their stirring new track ‘One More Chance’, a soft, touching and yet incredibly hopeful ballad. Starting off as a simple piano and voice duet, the song slowly builds in intensity with its addition of powerful string instruments and slow paced drums, quickly turning into an anthemic tune about a relationship plagued with feelings of jealousy and insecurity.

Keelan X, ‘Running Red Lights’

Keelan X releases his new up-tempo, synth-pop tune ‘Running Red Lights’, a cinematic and invigorating piece of electric guitars and electrifying melodies. The track’s joyous tone is juxtaposed with its darker themes – writing from a woman's perspective during the Troubles in Ireland, Keelan explores the difficulties associated with having a relationship with a revolutionary during this time.

Kʒːlu, ‘Let It Not Pale’ feat. Senita Appiakorang

Hailing from Kʒːlu’s new record Vol.II Cortis and recorded in collaboration with Dublin-based artist Senita Appiakorang, ‘Let It Not Pale’ is a colourful blend of afro-funk melodies and dub-inspired, futuristic sounds. Both dance-inducing and dream-like, the track masterfully combines lively guitar riffs, energetic drums, and Appiakorang’s smooth vocal performance, all wrapped up in Kʒːlu’s careful production and creating a deeply atmospheric sound.

Susan O’Neill, ‘Everyone’s Blind’

Clare songsmith Susan O’Neill sure knows how to craft a heartbreaking, yet equally soul-stirring, melody. Taken from her new album, Now in a Minute , out today, ‘Everyone’s Blind’ offers no exception.

On ‘Everyone's Blind’ Susan said that the “melody rose up as easily as breathing”, the song casting longing eyes homeward.

The track is a scintillating tune suspended by texture and lost in longing, revealing O’Neill’s unending layers as a writer and musician. The instrumentals and vocals shift from the foreground to the background with seamless transitions. With that, the Clare singer sounds more reverberent than ever, almost as if she’s singing in void. The environs are sunless, but O’Neill’s voice is glittering and aglow in the expansive soundscape ‘Everyone’s Blind’ occupies.

Christy Moore, ‘Black & Amber’

There are few artists who can legitimately claim ‘living legend’ status – without question, Christy Moore is one of those few. 56 years on from the release of his debut album Paddy On The Road, he’s unveiled his forthcoming album A Terrible Beauty with the new single ‘Black & Amber’.

The song is a cover of A Lazarus Soul, written by the band’s songwriter Brian Branigan and taken from their lauded folk album The D They Put Between The R And L.

“We went to hear A Lazarus Soul in Whelan’s, Dublin 6 years ago,” Christy reccals. “I fell beneath the spell of Briany’s lyrics straight away. I made contact saying I’d love to sing a couple of his songs. He gave me the nod - his lines are just up my street.

“This song brings me back to a time in life when the pub was a central part of my life. It remained that way for many years. Different pubs in different places became my ‘home away from home’. Thankfully the day came when I closed that door behind me, never to return, one day at a time. Brian Brannigan’s songs are raw, relevant and real.”

Maverick Sabre, ‘If I Could Only Love You Again’

Singer-Songwriter-Producer Maverick Sabre returns with the release of his new single, ‘If I Could Only Love You Again’, setting the stage for his forthcoming fifth studio album, Burn The Right Things Down.

Boasting a sonic dreamscape, the track captures a deftly-handled blend of euphoric freedom and raw emotion with a nostalgic bassline that immediately allures. The hopeful and blissful lyric “If tomorrow comes, I hope it brings us all a healing” infuses the song with joy and optimism, creating an uplifting and transformative tone.

All Things Eve, ‘June Moon’

‘June Moon’ is a crystalline showcase of what Dublin-based artist All Things Eve is all about. Growing up a naturally-inclined observer and clinical over-thinker, hard-hitting lyricism and poignant vocals are the core of Eve’s music, and ‘June Moon’ beautifully channels her sweet yet powerful voice over soft, folk-pop inflected guitar.

“’June Moon’ is about the state of constant vertigo you may find yourself in after a break-up,” Eve explains. “It’s about carrying grief with you still, yet acknowledging that some things are better off ending. It’s about crying your eyes out one second, and downloading a dating app the next. The natural back and forth of moving on."

Pauric O’Meara, ‘Tell Me’

Opening with a hard-hitting tempo, pummelling energy and melancholic lyrics, Pauric O’Meara’s new single ‘Tell Me’ will have listeners captivated from the start.

Pauric puts some hard facts and questions on the table for the listeners, questioning the sweeping views of authority, the level of pettiness that can be displayed in the the things we give out about - while, taking a more introspective look, “they wouldn't be too far off saying we have it easy in the grand scheme of things”.

“'Tell me’ is an open book reflection on what I think about the ideologies of people these days, including myself,” O’Meara says. “The things we give out about, when for other people it would be a dream for that to even be a thought. The things we get worked up over, when across the world we are viewed as being luckier than ever.”

B.OK, ‘Richman’

The latest single from emerging hip hop artist B. OK is a vibrant blend of infectious pop melodies and raw rap energy.

‘Richman’, is an hard-hitting pop-laden, hip-hop anthem that explores the inner workings of success, passion, and what drives a person to achieve their goals. Constructed around an earworm of a chorus and grounded in a cerebral flow, ‘Richman’ takes listeners on a journey through the ups and downs of ambition. Rather than focusing on material wealth, the song examines the idea of being "rich" in purpose and fulfilment.

RÓIS, ‘FEEL LOVE’

Following her first single ‘CAOINE’ released earlier this month, RÓIS follows with the closing track to her upcoming EP MO LÉAN , produced by the sought-after purveyor of sonic doom John ‘Spud’ Murphy.

‘FEEL LOVE’ is a wildly incredible song, toiling through feelings of death, life, mourning and catharsis. It’s a track that one could only imagine the ecstasy death must feel like, especially at the final note - a homage to the suspended chord from ‘Day in the Life’ that turns The Beatles on their head.

“For ‘FEEL LOVE’, I imagined a person is on their deathbed, happy in the knowledge that once they are laid to rest, they will give back to the earth what has been given to them, life. In their last moments’, all they can feel is love,” RÓIS says. “Never fully landing on the tonic chord, until the last big bang, I wanted to create that tension before a long-waited release. The catharsis of a life, a death and a rebirth. This piece is the cathartic end to the EP.”

RÓIS is an artist you don’t want to overlook, and it’s only a matter of time before she takes over.

Aimee Carty, ‘Memories’

Singer-songwriter Aimee Carty has unveiled a pop ballad channelling her personal family history. ‘Memories’ is inspired by the singer’s grandparents’ journey, recalling that it’s easy to forget how much life our ancestors have lived and how connected and similar we are through the generations.

“The day I wrote it, my granny had told me the story of how she moved to England to train to be a nurse when she was young,” Aimee wrote on her Instagram. “The song was inspired by the realisation that it’s easy to forget how much life “they’ve lived and the fact that they were once experiencing lots of things for the first time - just like I am now.”

Asha Ari, ‘Stuck In This Feeling’

Rising Irish-Ghanaian star Asha Ari is back with the gorgeous new offering, ‘Stuck In This Feeling’. Produced and recorded by Elkae, this gorgeous and personal song encapsulates the raw emotions of the singer’s life, transforming personal hardship into a work of art, stirring feelings of hope and resilience.

“This song is layered with raw, honest emotion. It was written in a time of hardship, and it voices the struggles we all go through. It’s like a big hug when you’re feeling alone,” Asha says. “Life is hard sometimes and there is no shame in feeling low. We have all found ourselves feeling stagnant, but the important thing is picking ourselves back up. There is no darkness without light.”

Listen to our New Irish Songs to Hear This Week playlist on Spotify below!